K-9 unit finds missing woman in Santa Cruz Mountains

SUMMIT - A missing, at-risk 49-year-old woman was found unconscious in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Wednesday night after a K-9 unit tracked her scent.

Relatives of the woman were concerned after she did not contact a family member, said sheriff's Sgt. Steve Carney. Deputies began a search about 9:10 p.m. at the woman's home on the 500 block of Russell Ridge near Summit Road, Carney said.

About 10:30 p.m., a trained law enforcement dog, Ari, found the woman about 300 yards from her home. The woman was unconscious and was given medical aid at the scene, Carney said.

She was transported to Watsonville Community Hospital.

Carney said the "late-night hours, remote location, rough terrain, time of year and her medical condition contributed to the seriousness of this incident."